What is the core of autism for you? Have you say here!

Autism Research

Autism Research

Aims of the Research

The aim of the study is to identify what features are perceived as the core of what Autism is by people who have
extensive personal experience with the condition.

Take part in the study here.

Invitation

My name is Laura Ibero Miralles (primary researcher) and I would like to invite you to take part in my research about
Autism, which is the Final Year Project of my degree in Psychology at Keele University. I am working under the
supervision of Dr. Katie Wright-Bevans, lecturer and researcher of the School of Psychology.

Before you decide whether or not you wish to take part, it is important for you to understand why this research is
being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read this information carefully and discuss it with friends
and relatives if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is unclear or if you would like more information.

Why have I been invited?

I am looking for people with close extensive experience with autism (e.g.: parents, siblings, partners, professionals,
people on the Spectrum), who are at least 18-years-old. As the study is conducted in English, a minimum ability to
understand and communicate information in written English is required.

Do I have to take part?

Participation is completely voluntary, which means that you are free to decide whether you wish to take part or not.
If you do decide to take part but later you change your mind, you can withdraw from this study without penalty, and
without giving any reasons. To withdraw (and avoid your answers being used in this study) you just have to close
the questionnaire tab at the top of the page, at any time before clicking ‘submit responses’ at the end of the
questionnaire. After this point withdrawal cannot be guaranteed due to data anonymization.

Take part in the study here.

What are the benefits (if any) of taking part?

By taking part you will have the opportunity to reflect about your thoughts on Autism, even if you decide not to
complete the questionnaire. If you decide to submit your answers, this is an opportunity for your opinions,
experiences and beliefs to be heard (anonymously) by the outer community. The final report may contribute to the
understanding of the condition by giving voice to those with the closest experience with the condition, hopefully
moving a step forward towards a personal, professional and scientific consensus that will allow effective
cooperative investigation and development of successful diagnosis and interventions, leading to a better informed
and less daunting first encounter with the condition for all the parents hearing the term ‘autism’ for the first time,
and a brighter and more integrated future for everyone living with the condition. This is a long journey, and you
will have contributed to make it possible.

In addition, you can request a free copy of the final scientific report by e-mailing the main researcher.

Take part in the study here.

Who is funding and organising the research?

This research is being funded by Keele University as part of my undergraduate degree in Psychology.

What if there is a problem?

If you have a concern about any aspect of this study, you are more than welcome to contact me (Laura Ibero Miralles)
on w2d12@students.keele.ac.uk. Alternatively, if you do not wish to contact the researcher you may contact my
supervisor Dr. Katie Wright-Bevans on k.wright.bevans@keele.ac.uk.

Take part in the study here.

Inside Autism: Facing the Challenges of Air Travel

Inside Autism: Facing the Challenges of Air Travel

Inside Autism: Facing the Challenges of Air Travel

Madison House Autism Foundation recently partnered with American Airlines and The Arc of Northern Virginia to hold a “Wings for All” event at Reagan National Airport. The goal of the event was to provide a simulated travel experience for people with special needs and their families to learn more about air travel and ease the stress of flying. Participants received a realistic practice run of the airport experience (sans the actual flight), which included entering the airport, navigating the terminal, getting boarding passes at the ticket counter, checking bags, passing through the TSA security screening, and boarding an aircraft at a gate.

Thank you to Reagan National Airport, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, TSA, Traveler’s Aid, and Sam & Harry’s for making this event possible.

Parents Wanted for An Online Survey on Early Child Behavior

Parents Wanted for An Online Survey on Early Child Behavior

Parents Wanted for An Online Survey on Early Child Behavior

My name is Sarah Tuberman and I am a student at California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University – San Diego. I am studying ways that children look at objects and their hands/fingers, and how these behaviors might be related to later autism symptoms and daily functioning.

The purpose of the research is to learn if there are special ways that young children look at objects and their hands/fingers that might be linked to autism symptoms, and how they manage their everyday lives.

Parents who have children with autism as well as parents who do not have children with autism are welcome to participate.

To participate in this research, you must:   You may not participate if your child has been diagnosed with any of the following:
·      Be at least 18 years of age

·      Have a child under 18 years of age

·      Be able to read English

·      Live in the United States

  ·      Dyskinesia

·      Tics/Tourette Syndrome

·      Cerebral Palsy

·      Dystonia

·      Ataxia

·    Chorea

·    Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder

·    Amblyopia/Lazy Eye

·    Strabismus/Eye Turn

Participation in this study will take approximately 30 to 50 minutes to complete.

To participate in the study please go to studyautism.com.

Your information will remain entirely anonymous and will not be shared with any other researchers.

You will have a chance to enter into an Opportunity Drawing to win one of eight $60 Amazon gift certificates for your participation.

If you have any questions please contact Sarah Tuberman, M.A., at (858) 863-7994 or stuberman@alliant.edu.

This research will be supervised by Alan Lincoln, Ph.D. and has been approved by Alliant International University Institutional Review Board.

Autism and Parenting – What is the impact of autism on quality of life for parents of children on the autism spectrum?

Autism and Parenting

Autism and Parenting

Kara Dingess of Florida state University has asked us to help her find parents of children on the autism spectrum to help her with some research!

Ms Dingess writes “Understanding the impact perceptions of severity has on parents of children with ASD, aids professionals in finding meaningful coping mechanisms and interventions to benefit the individuals affected.

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of positive psychology coping mechanisms, such as humor, optimism, and spirituality, on the stress levels of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study will contribute to an awareness of the effects of using these coping mechanisms on the stress levels of parents of children with ASD. The results of this study can be used in combination with other findings to promote the use of and increase awareness on positive psychology coping mechanisms.

In order to participate, you must be biological and stepparents over the age of 18 living with pre-adolescent children (ages four to twelve) with a self-reported diagnosis of ASD living in the United States. The survey will take around 20 minutes to complete and upon completion, you will have the opportunity to win a $25 VISA gift card. You will also be helping the researcher complete her dissertation for her Doctorate degree in Combined School and Counseling Psychology. ”

Please take the study here
https://fsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BC7pC2dB1aDZ6R